Effect of heat treatment on microstructures and mechanical properties of sand-cast Mg–4Y–2Nd–1Gd–0.4Zr magnesium alloy

Influence of heat treatment on the microstructures and mechanical properties of sand-cast Mg–4Y–2Nd–1Gd–0.4Zr magnesium alloy was investigated, and the tensile fracture mechanisms of the studied alloys under different conditions were also discussed. The results show that the optimum T4 and T6 heat treatment conditions for the as-cast Mg–4Y–2Nd–1Gd–0.4Zr alloy are 525 °C, 8 h and (525 °C, 8 h)+(225 °C, 16 h), respectively, with regard to the microstructure observation, DSC heating curve and mechanical properties. The hardness, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation of the Mg–4Y–2Nd–1Gd–0.4Zr alloy treated by optimum T6 heat treatment are HV91, 180 MPa, 297 MPa and 7.4%, respectively. Moreover, the Mg–4Y–2Nd–1Gd–0.4Zr alloys under different heat treatment conditions exhibit different tensile fracture modes.